Relocation and the Dust Settles
01 May 2022Rhaazerus
//synchronizing logbook . . . CMDR Rhaazerus Orzhov
CMDR Log - #019
Star Date - May 1st 3308
System: Wolf 497
Planet: Wolf 497 7 A
Location: Pizarro Genetics Installation
"Your assistance with us would be a . . . mutually beneficial agreement."
I hate these corporate puppets.
Last week I was looking for Ferris. Looks like he found me in a way.
He got caught in the middle of some faction war at Shore Cultivation in Arcturus.
It seemed like my only option in finding him was going to a representative for Arcturus Public inc. for info.
She was just as cold and detached as I expected.
Told me she might have info on Ferris's where-abouts, but he was "a company asset", and in order for her to share such information I would have to assist the company.
She directed me to Frontline Solutions. Said if I help fight their little war, she could arrange for more information on Ferris.
Figures . . .
For the next three or four days I joined their company goons in dropships, piled in and tossed onto a settlement to get shot at.
Then back to the station to rest and wait for the next call to fight . . . if you survived the last one that is.
Signing the waivers was a drag. And I was out-of-place among their corporate mercenaries, and they knew it.
A few of them kept calling me a "scavver".
"I scanned your ship. hatch breakers? collector limpets? And you're joining us in that dinky Maverick suit? I know what you are . . ."
Well, I'm no scavver, I just salvage stuff, but . . . they weren't entirely wrong.
Having to sit with them in their mess-hall on the station was uncomfortable.
Some of those company mercs were young. Just kids trying to grab some credits any way they knew how.
I tried to spend most of my time waiting for the call from Frontline, in my own ship or the Commander's lounge.
It was more boring than anything. But I think worst of all was that moment when the drop-doors opened up under your feet and you were tossed onto the battlefield.
I could feel my heart sink every time. I don't think it was fear. Just . . . anticipation I guess?
Got knocked around by a grenade inside one settlement.
The guy next to me was trying to cancel a system override from an e-breach. He was one of the guys that called me "scavver". He didn't make it . . .
I didn't plan on dying out there but, you never know in this galaxy.
The hell was I thinking? Was finding Ferris really worth all this?
The days kind of blended together but eventually the fighting died down. I was able to cash out at Frontline and walk away with more credits than when I started.
Though it didn't feel like well earned money, knowing that I was just being used. Not to mention almost dying just to find out where the hell Ferris ended up.
The Arcturus Public rep just gave me a sly smirk and said "Thank you for you assistance. And it seems I have something for you."
She forwarded a couple of messages:
//file attachment:
- - - file encrypted - - -
- - - Achilles Corp. decryption key: |approved| - - -
- - - defragmentation: 99% - - -
message received: N. Ferris
"Neon Ferris, reporting for relocation.
I can confirm employee ID number: [retracted]
Shore Cultivation Complex, Arcturus Public inc., Achilles Robotics affiliate employee.
Awaiting Achilles Corp. evaluation and relocation to Alioth."
April 20, 3308
- - - file encrypted - - -
- - - Achilles Corp. decryption key: |approved| - - -
- - - defragmentation: 99% - - -
message received: N. Ferris
"Rhaaz.
Hell, I don't even know if you're going to get this message.
I know what you're probably thinking right about now, and no! It wasn't me I swear!
Ha, jeez, I can imagine the look on your face.
I know you probably won't believe me, but I had nothing to do with the company conflict that started up.
It was a local system thing involving the factions in Arcturus.
I'm not allowed to go into detail, but some of the guys were saying there was a company spy and some kind of attempt to seize confidential project assets.
Speaking of . . . that job I was talking about? Just forget about it. It's off the table. And don't come looking for me.
They'll probably have me file for relocation or something and I doubt Achilles will want you snooping around.
I'll be fine here.
You just take care of yourself space cowboy. Beer's on me next time we meet!"
April 19, 3308
//file end . . .
So that's that.
Well, he's alive at least.
I guess I'll never get to find out what that plan of his was.
I'm moving some packages now for a few of his fellow employees that got relocated nearby.
I'm sure Shore Cultivation will go on, business as usual, under new management or however they work it out.
All that fighting and just for a change in shareholders in the end.
Jeez, what a mess.
I think I'm gonna stick with the "scavver" life for now . . .
//log end . . .